We take the advancement of the Kingdom of God seriously. There are several key components to this advancement. They are:
1. Evangelism
2. Apologetics
3. Education
4. Social Reform

Evangelism
Reaching the lost for Christ is one position that the Next-Wave Reformers considers a priority. The scope for reaching the lost is world-wide. Those who are lost in our own neighborhoods are just as important as the foreign mission field. Likewise, the foreign mission field is just as important as home-neighborhood evangelism. Let each evangelize as the Lord calls and provides.
It is important to note that there is no one particular method of evangelism. However, several key components should always be present:

1. The sinfulness of Man.
2. The Judgment of God.
3. The provision of Christ.
4. The sinners total dependence on Christ’s provision
5. The promise of Heaven for those who come to Christ.
6. The surety of Hell for those who reject the gospel.

As long as these components are being taught with biblical fidelity it is (in my opinion) useless to argue over specific linguistic techniques or analogical examples.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Apologetics
Another key component to advancing the Kingdom of God is defending the faith. All Next-Wave Reformation advocates take the priority of God’s Word in Apologetics seriously. Often this type priority of God’s Word in the field of Apologetics is called Presuppositionalism. However, a strict presuppositionalist method is not common among Next-Wave advocates. We would consider ourselves basically presuppositional.
[The problem with embracing a consistent Presuppositional position is that there is not one available. This is to say that there is not a single unified presuppositional theory. Major proponents of Presuppositionalism tend to disagree with each other over who carries the true mantel of Presuppositionalism. They also tend to disagree with how evidence should be utilized in the process of apologetics.
This is not to say that Presuppositionalism should be abandoned. It just needs honest work. This is why most of us consider ourselves basically presuppositional.
It is also important to note that that strict Evidentialism is not acceptable. It is generally thought that this method gives too much credence to the ability of autonomous human reason.]
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).

Education
Second-Wave Reformation Thought is radically committed to educating the Church in matters of biblical literacy, theology, apologetics, and Christian living. The guiding line on these topics is and needs to be the Word of God itself. To the degree the Bible reflects these issues needs to be the degree that the teacher reflects these issues. We endorse both verse by verse exposition of the Bible as well as topical exegesis. Christians should also be educated in the history of the Church, apologetics, and other topics. However, all topics need to be approached with a biblical world-view in mind.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (emphasis added, Mathew 28:18-20).

Social Reform
We believe that it is the duty of government and its citizens to pursue laws that are pleasing to God. We encourage Christians to do what they can to implement laws into society that are biblically sound. It is the voice of the Church to bring godly influence into social realm of life.
The Old Testament should not be ignored in regard to pursuing a social reform. However, the Old Testament must be strictly applied in light of the New Covenant.
[It must be stated that Theonomy, in all its variations is rejected. This is largely due to the fact that Theonomy is tied to a very strict form of Covenant Theology. In addition, the Kingdom of God cannot be identified with any political party, constitution, or geographical demarcations.
However, it must be said that Theonomy has put forth a great deal of propositions that would be beneficial if implemented into society. For example, the idea that restitution is often better than incarceration in many situations. It is my opinion Second-Wave Reformation advocates would do well to understand Theonomy and adjust it according to New Covenant principles.]
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (emphasis added, Mathew 28:18-20).

[Final Thought
Christians need to be cautious when they consider these issues. Sometimes Christians can become overly judgmental about others ministries that differ from their own. Often, a Christian can have a calling to specialize in a particular field of ministry. Those in specialized ministries can sometimes harass other Christians for “not doing enough for Christ.” However, because these Christians often feel strongly called to a particular ministry, they can also become very judgmental if other Christians do not care for that ministry the way they do. Let each Christian serve as he is called and gifted (1 Cor. 12:4-6).]

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20).

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3b).

Advertisements

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About nextluther12

Ean has a BRS, and an MTS from Columbia Evangelical Semenary. He is currently working on a doctrite from the same school. Ean was ordained to the ministry by Dr. Robert Morey in 2005. He has written a book that is not yet published called The Theology of Jesus.